Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is a non-native beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients and kills all native ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Emerald ash borer is now found in 35 states and several Canadian provinces.

EAB was discovered in Tompkins County for the first time in 2018, including on the Cornell campus and within Cornell Botanic Gardens. We are actively managing EAB in ash tree collections within the F. R. Newman Arboretum through the use of systemic pesticides. Within our natural areas, ash trees make up 5-30 percent of the mature tree canopy. While selected ash trees are also being treated with pesticides, the remaining trees that pose a safety risk to developed infrastructure will be removed.

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What can you do?

Browse these recommended resources for more information and how you can help prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.